(EDISON, NJ) -- The New Jersey Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP-NJ) announced its 2025 Excellence in Philanthropy Award honorees, an inspiring group of individuals and organizations whose work has changed lives, shaped communities, and strengthened the culture of giving across the Garden State.
The honorees will be celebrated on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at the annual Excellence in Philanthropy Awards Breakfast at Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey.
“This year’s honorees represent the very best of what philanthropy can achieve when compassion, strategy, and commitment come together,” said Jon Paparsenos, co-chair of the Excellence in Philanthropy Awards Committee. “Their stories remind us that whether through a career of professional service, the healing presence of a pet, a voice for justice, or critical access to health care, philanthropy drives progress.”
“This event is one of our most meaningful traditions,” said Victoria Perez, co-chair of the committee. “Each of these honorees embodies the spirit of philanthropy in action. Their work brings hope, healing, and opportunity to New Jersey communities every day, and we are thrilled to recognize their contributions this fall.”
Tickets and sponsorship information for the September breakfast are available here.
The 2025 honorees include:
* Award for Consulting Excellence: George Ruotolo, Founder, Ruotolo Associates. For more than 50 years, George Ruotolo has brought integrity, innovation and hands-on expertise to the nonprofit sector. As founder of Englewood Cliffs-based Ruotolo Associates, he has helped countless organizations elevate their missions through strategic development, public relations, and fundraising leadership.
* Outstanding Community Organization: Creature Comfort Pet Therapy. With more than 7,000 therapy visits made to over 150,000 New Jersey residents in 2024 alone, Creature Comfort Pet Therapy, based in Madison, has transformed lives through the calming, joyful, and healing presence of trained volunteers and their certified therapy animals.
* Outstanding Nonprofit Advocate: Amol Sinha, Executive Director, ACLU of New Jersey. A nationally recognized civil rights leader, Sinha has led transformative advocacy campaigns, championed racial justice, and expanded clemency pathways under Governor Phil Murphy, ensuring equity and accountability in New Jersey’s legal and justice systems. ACLU of New Jersey is based in Newark.
* Outstanding Foundation: The Connie Dwyer Breast Cancer Foundation (CDBCF) . For over two decades, CDBCF, based in Short Hills, has provided life-saving breast health services to uninsured and underserved women. In 2024, the foundation funded a statewide network of community partners and launched a mobile mammography unit, directly serving thousands of patients with compassion and dignity.
Founded in 1974, the New Jersey Chapter of AFP (AFP-NJ) is one of the largest AFP chapters and is an individual member association that advances philanthropy through education, training, and advocacy. AFP-NJ is committed to helping individuals and organizations practice ethical and effective fundraising throughout New Jersey and the NY Metro area.
